Can bristlenose plecos live with hatchetfish?

Verdict
Yes

Yes. Bristlenose plecos and hatchetfish make a good pair. Both are fine at 75–81°F. Plan on at least 30 gal.

Bristlenose plecoBristlenose pleco73–81°F · pH 6.5–7.5 HatchetfishHatchetfish75–81°F · pH 5.5–7.5

Why it works

Water side by side

55°60°65°70°75°80°85°90°Both: 75–81°Bristlenose pleco 73–81°Hatchetfish 75–81°
The green band is the temperature range both can live in.
456789Both: 6.5–7.5Bristlenose pleco 6.5–7.5Hatchetfish 5.5–7.5
The green band is the pH both tolerate.

Size to scale

Bristlenose pleco · 5 inHatchetfish · 1.5 in0"1"2"3"4"5"6"
Adult length in an aquarium. A fish can swallow anything that fits in its mouth, roughly a third to half its own length for predators.

Care at a glance

Bristlenose plecoHatchetfish
Temperature73–81 °F75–81 °F
pH6.5–7.55.5–7.5
Adult size5.0 in1.5 in
Minimum tank30 gal20 gal
TemperamentPeacefulPeaceful
Swims atBottomTop
GroupAlone or in pairsGroups of 6+
DietHerbivoreCarnivore

Better tank mates for bristlenose plecos

All bristlenose pleco tank mates

Better tank mates for hatchetfish

All hatchetfish tank mates

Questions

Can bristlenose plecos live with hatchetfish?

Yes. Bristlenose plecos and hatchetfish make a good pair. Both are fine at 75–81°F. Plan on at least 30 gal.

What temperature suits both bristlenose plecos and hatchetfish?

75–81 °F. Bristlenose plecos need 73–81 °F, hatchetfish need 75–81 °F.

What size tank do bristlenose plecos and hatchetfish need together?

At least 30 gal, set by the bristlenose pleco. Add space for each extra fish.